Published Paper


Enviro-Ethno-Archaeology in Northeast India: Prospects and Possibilities with Bodo-Kachari Tribe

Akash Kumar Srivastava Vinita Chandra*
Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, India
Page: 1353-1363
Published on: 2024 March

Abstract

Abstract : Artefacts at any site reflect the region's specific environmental conditions and ecology.  Ethnographic data can also aid in understanding the inhabitants' environmental settings that are similar to those of their ancestors. A holistic approach merging methods from archaeology, anthropology, and information about the environment may go a long way in understanding the ancient culture and society of any region. The present paper examines this idea with a case study of the prominent tribe of North-East India, i.e., Bodo-Kachari, to give a framework of research that could be done with this newly emerging perspective. The Bodo-Kachari tribe, an indigenous community primarily residing in the northeastern regions of India, boasts a rich cultural heritage and a history that dates back to centuries. Archaeological investigations into the material culture and lifestyle of the Bodo tribe offer a unique opportunity to delve into the past and understand the evolution of their society, economy, and cultural practices. By suggesting the possible interactions of archaeological data with historical records and ethnographic studies, this paper seeks to provide a path to reconstruct the past lifeways of the Bodo-kachari tribe, tracing the trajectory of their cultural development and interactions with neighbouring communities. Additionally, this study aims to contribute to the broader understanding of indigenous cultures in India and their significance in the country's cultural mosaic.

 

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